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A j-pouch, or ileal pouch reconstruction, is a surgery that is used for ulcerative colitis patients, and is usually completed in two steps.

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Monday, March 24, 2008

An ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected just as often as men.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives on the lining of the stomach. Although we used to think that spicy food, acid, and stress were the major causes of ulcers, we now know that nine out of ten ulcers are caused by H. pylori. Medicines that reduce stomach acid may make you feel better, but your ulcer may come back. Here's the good news: Since most ulcers are caused by this bacterial infection, they can be cured with the right antibiotics.

What are the symptoms of an ulcer?

The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button. The pain often occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals and in the early morning hours, but it can occur at any other time. It may last from minutes to hours and may be relieved by eating food or taking antacids. Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Sometimes ulcers bleed. If bleeding continues for a long time, it may lead to anaemia with weakness and fatigue. If bleeding is heavy, blood may appear in vomit or bowel movements, which may appear dark red or black.

How can your health care provider tell if you have H. pylori?

Your health care provider may choose to use any of the following tests to determine if your ulcer is caused by H. pylori.

Blood tests: A blood test can confirm if you have H. pylori. To perform this test, your health care provider sends your blood sample to a lab.

Breath tests: A breath test can determine if you are infected with H. pylori. In this test, you drink a harmless liquid and in less than 1 hour, a sample of your breath is tested for H. pylori.

Endoscopy: Your health care provider may decide to perform an endoscopy. This is a test in which a small tube with a camera inside is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to look for ulcers. During the endoscopy, small samples of the stomach lining can be obtained and tested for H. pylori.

What is the treatment for H. pylori infection?

If you have an ulcer, you should be tested for H. pylori, and if found to be infected, you should be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are the new cure for ulcers; therapy is 1-2 weeks of one or two antibiotics and a medicine that will reduce the acid in the stomach. This treatment is a dramatic medical advance because eliminating H. pylori with antibiotics means that there is a greater than 90% chance that the ulcer can be cured for good. Remember, it is very important to continue taking all of this medicine until it is gone, even when you begin to feel better. If you are having side effects that make it hard to take your medicine, talk to your health care provider.

Ulcer Facts

Most ulcers are caused by an infection, not spicy food, acid and stress.

The most common ulcer symptom is burning pain in the stomach.

Your doctor can test you for H. pylori.

Antibiotics are the new cure for ulcers.

Eliminating H. pylori infection with antibiotics means that your ulcer can be cured for good.

This is the time to get inspired. Having ulcerative colitis doesn't mean life is over. Sure, there will be challenges, but with the right guidance and support, there's no reason you can't get right out there!

Tell Your UC & J-Pouch Surgery Story

Do you have a story to tell?Of course you do. Everyone with inflammatory bowel disease has a story of overcoming illness and adversity.If you have ulcerative colitis, you can tell your story and become a member of our support group. Just write your story, suggestions, anything you want to share with other UC patient's .Please send us your personal story, it help others coping with the same issues.Email us at:anscreativity@gmail.com. Once we will post it , will send you the link.

Illustration of the Digestive System

Welcome to the first Blog on the web dedicated to the Ileo-anal anastomosis, or "J-Pouch" operation

This Blog is created by Miss Anshu Gupta(Ulcerative Colitis Patient, Operated for J-Pouch Surgery) by the team of expert Liver Transplant & Gastrointestinal Surgeons,Dr Subash Gupta, Dr Samiran Nundy, Dr A.S Soinof SGRH New Delhi, India, in Dec. 2005.Join me for support and information regarding this procedure. I hope to bring you the most information on the web as you plan for the operation or are dealing with life after suffering with Ulcerative Colitis, Cancer or familial polyposis.

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Article, Post and Content of this blog is copyrighted.Please do not reproduce any article, post or any part of its content in whole or part, in any form, without obtaining my written permission. Thanks Anshu Gupta.

Disclaimer: This Blog provides general information about Ulcerative Colitis & J-Pouch Surgery, Digestive Disease, Cancer,Treatments, Transplants and in no means should be taken as a medical or health advice. Please consult your doctor before acting on any of its information.